Crunchyroll, Anime Network on iPhone
Both the Anime Network & Crunchyroll released new iPhone/iPod Touch anime streaming apps to the Apple App Store this week. The Crunchyroll app is free to download & has no monthly fees. CR's entire library of free anime titles (& live-action dramas) is available to watch right away, though free users are forced to watch a commercial before the episode begins. However if you sign in with a paid user account, there are no commercials, but even paid users wont be able to access premium content on the app. So no same-day simulcasts or any of Fairy Tail, at least for now. Video on the app can only be viewed on WiFi however, so Edge & 3G networks wont cut it.
A few days earlier, Valkyrie Media Partners' (formally ADV) Anime Network launched their own streaming anime app. Unlike Crunchyroll's, however, this was isn't free. You can download it for $6.99, & then have a free month of anime viewing to enjoy. After that, you'll need to pay for a 1-month, 4-month, or 1-year renewal fee. Anime Network had previously streamed free full episodes on the crummy vSNAX iPhone app, though their titles have since been removed & replaced by anime from Manga Entertainment. Though unfortunately even if you are a paying member of the Anime Network's website, you wont be able to watch anime on the iPhone app without paying the app's fees. Same goes vice-versa, as currently the two aren't connected that way. They are working on a way to combine the two though, which is what this program really needs. Also, currently only a dozen or so Section23 titles are available for viewing, & most of those only have an episode or two up. Anime Network will be adding more series & episodes every week, though. The plus side however is that in addition to WiFi, this app also works over 3G. Why CR's can't work over 3G is beyond me.
Crunchyroll: http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-601285/crunchyroll-iphone-app-alpha
Anime Network: http://www.theanimenetwork.com/myblog/164-Anime-Network-and-iPhone-Together-at-Last